Vasyl Anatoliyovych Lomachenko (born 17 February 1988), popularly known by his nickname “The Matrix“, is an outstanding Ukrainian professional boxer. In the elite league of top-rated boxers, Lomachenko poses an intimidating figure as well as a source of inspiration to young budding boxers. The Unified lightweight world champion is a man feared in the ring but loved by his fans. A formidable opponent, an experienced boxer, Lomachenko is the true definition of a great boxer. We consider the rise of this boxing superstar in our Vasyl Lomachenko biography facts, childhood and personal life.

Vasyl Lomachenko Childhood and Early Life

Vasyl Lomachenko, also known as Vasily or Vasiliy was born on the 17th of February, 1988, in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukrainian SSR, and raised by his parents. Lomachenko’s boxing prowess was honed by Anatoly (his father) at a very tender age. Lomachenko admitted that had his father not been a professional boxing coach, he would have opted for professional ice hockey.

Vasyl Lomachenko Boxing Career

Boxing Records

15 Fights

14 Wins

1 Loss

By Knockout

10

0

By Decision

4

1

Lomachenko competed in the 2007 World Championships where he advanced to the final to settle for silver.

He then proceeded to compete in the 2008 Olympic, where he won gold, defeating the man who made him settle for Silver in the 2007 World Championships, Albert Selimov. His win was lauded as he received outstanding boxer of the tournament award. Lomachenko winning streak continued as he went on to clinch gold again at the European Championship in 2008.

In the 2009 World Championship, his aim to win gold was realized.

At the World Championships in 2011, Lomachenko rivalled in the lightweight division, where he once again clinched gold and became a two-weight world champion.

At the 2012 Olympics games, Lomachenko once again proved he was the best in the world, as he clinched gold for the second time. Following his success at the 2012 Olympics, Lomachenko decided it was time to go compete in the top leagues so he went pro. Lomachenko then went on to box for Top Rank.

He debuted professionally in October 2013 where he defeated Jose Ramirez. Lomachenko made attempt to claim a second world championship title in his second professional match after he challenged Orlando Salido, a long time boxer, for the World Boxing Organization’s featherweight title which became vacant since Salido didn’t meet the required weight for the featherweight title. Lomachenko lost the match in a controversial fashion after injuring Salido in the last round. The game was marred by criticism from major boxing outlets who criticized the referee for improper game conduction.

Lomachenko then went on to face Gary Russell Jr. for the WBO featherweight title which became vacant after Salido didn’t meet the required weight. Lomachenko dominated the game delivering 10% of the punches in the game. In the end, Lomachenko emerged winner and became the only boxer aside Saensak Muangsurin to claim the world title in a quick period of time.

Lomachenko’s title didn’t come without other challenges. He went on to face Piriyapinyo to defend his title. Lomachenko won the match after a unanimous decision from the referee. The winner of Lomachenko and Piriyapinyo match was set to face Gamalier Rodriguez of Puerto Rico. Rodriguez was on a 17-match winning streak prior to the match. The match was set to be an undercard at the Mayweather-Pacquaio bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Before the fight, Top Rank made an announcement of a five-year contract extension with Lomachenko. Lomachenko defeated Rodriguez to retain his WBO title.

Lomachenko proceeded to fight Romulo Koasicha who was ranked no.7. Lomachenko won the fight, which ended Koasicha’s consecutive 4 wins.

Lomachenko decided it was time to move on to the super featherweight division after he challenged Roman Rocky Martinez for his WBO Super featherweight title. The match took place at the Madison Square Garden Theater. Lomachenko went on to defeat Martinez and became the fastest boxer to earn world title in both weight divisions.

After the match, Lomachenko challenged Salido to a fight. It was arranged that Lomachenko would defend his WBO title, against Nicholas Walters who was unbeaten. Lomachenko, however, went on to win the match in the seventh round.

Following the plans for Lomachenko to fight WBA ‘Super’ champion Jezreel Corrales failed, Lomachenko was set up to face, Jason Sosa, a WBA ‘Regular’ champion. The HBO fight which was themed “HBO World Championship Boxing” had 2,828 in attendance and an average of 832,000 viewers. Lomachenko made his title defence in the 10th round.

It was announced in June 2017 that Lomachenko would defend his WBO title against Colombian Miguel Marriaga, a former featherweight world champion. About 4000 spectators were present when Lomachenko defeated Marriaga to defend his title.

On September 15, 2017, it was confirmed that Lomachenko would face Rigondeaux in a WBO title defence bout. The buot attracted 5,102 spectators. Lomachenko dominated the match, compelling Rigondeaux to retire in the sixth round after he claims to have broken the top of his left hand. The fight attracted an average of 1.72 million viewers on ESPN.

In January 2018, in the presence of about 10,000 spectators, Lomachenko took on WBA, The Ring lightweight champion Jorge Linares. Prior to the match, Lomachenko was on a 13-fight winning streak. Lomachenko won the bout claiming The Ring lightweight and WBA ‘Super’ titles. Lomachenko vacated his WBO super featherweight title in May 2018. Lomachenko went on to face Jose Pedraza, WBO lightweight champion. The match went down on December 1. Lomachenko won the match via unanimous decisions of the referees to claim Jose Pedraza’s WBO lightweight title as well as defend his WBA ‘super’ title.

Lomachenko is set to fight next in April 2019 against the winner of the Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev IBF lightweight title bout.

Vasily Lomachenko Personal Life

Vasyl Lomachenko with his wife, Elena and son, Anatoly.

Not much is known about Lomachenko’s personal life. He is married to Elena and they both have a son named Anatoly.

Facts Check

At SportyTell.com, we strive for fairness and accuracy. If you have concerns about something that doesn’t look right in this Vasyl Lomachenko Biography Facts, Childhood And Personal Life, please don’t hesitate to contact us.